From More to Deeper: Following God into the New Year

Photo Credit: Lauren_DDios

(By Rachel Joyce)

How has this year been for you? Perhaps it was a great year, full of exciting adventures, pleasurable experiences, and rewarding achievements. 

But, maybe it wasn’t. Maybe it was so rough that you’re surprised you’ve made it through. Maybe simply surviving this past year is itself an incredible accomplishment. I can relate. 

My word for this year was more. You can read about how I chose it here. Well, 2025 was a year of more all right — more hurt, more grief, more losses. But it was also a year of experiencing more of God’s comfort, more of His power, and more of His love. 

Through some acutely painful experiences, I’ve come to know Him more intimately. He has shown me that no matter what happens, He has got my back and He is my protector. 

He has held me as I’ve wept, and gently lifted my chin so I could see His face more clearly.

Through all of it, He has taught me that He is my more: He is greater than any trouble I face, stronger than any enemy who might seek to take me out, and better able to help me live victoriously in Him than I could ever imagine.

And as this year nears its close, I’ve been praying about God’s word for me for 2026. I thought about a few different words, but none of them seemed to give me peace and I fretted. 

Why couldn’t I hear what God wanted? What did He want for me? I struggled for a while, asking but hearing only silence.

Then, it was as though He spoke quietly in my heart, “Well, what do you want?”

“Me, Lord?” And I paused, mulling over the question and wondering what I truly wanted. And almost immediately, I knew.

“Lord, I want to go deeper with You. If You give me anything this next year, let it be that. Let me come to know You more deeply.”

And suddenly, peace and certainty flooded my soul. So yes, deeper is my word for 2026. 

I want Him to take me deeper, deeper in

• knowing Him

• loving Him

• worshipping Him

• serving Him

• letting Him use me to bless others

And regardless of whatever hard stuff I have to go through for this to be true, I’m all in. 

Take me deeper, Lord. Help me to be brave, to be strong in Your strength. Let Your will reign supreme, and help me follow wherever You lead. In the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.